How to register and use PubMed to search for medical literature?

PubMed is a free, comprehensive biomedical literature database maintained by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Registration is not mandatory for searching; users can immediately utilize the search engine at pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov to explore citations and abstracts. For enhanced features like saving searches, creating alerts, or accessing certain My NCBI tools, a free account via the NCBI platform is required. Effective PubMed searching relies on key strategies. Begin by formulating a clear research question using key concepts. Utilize Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) for precise terminology mapping and enhanced retrieval. Combine search terms effectively using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). Apply filters strategically (e.g., publication date, article type, species, language) to refine results. Use the Advanced Search Builder to manage complex queries and review search history. Note that while PubMed indexes broadly, full-text access depends on institutional subscriptions or open-access availability (PubMed Central is a distinct subset). Start by accessing the PubMed homepage. Enter key terms related to your topic into the main search bar. Review initial results; if needed, employ MeSH terms identified through the database or use the Advanced Search. Apply relevant Filters to narrow results to the most pertinent articles. Click on article titles to view citations, abstracts, and links to potential full-text sources (Free PMC Article, publisher links, or FindIt options via institutions). For persistent workflows, create an NCBI account to save searches, set up email alerts for new publications, and manage personal collections. This systematic approach efficiently harnesses PubMed's vast resource for evidence-based research and clinical practice.